Claudio Mascarenhas, Bass-Baritone

Bio


Claudio Mascarenhas, bass-baritone, was born in Rio de Janeiro, where he made his operatic debut as Masetto (Don Giovanni) with the Brazilian Conservatory of Music. He followed as Mandarino (Turandot), where he was called "a great new voice of Brazil."

Upon moving to Europe in 1997, Claudio was the recipient of the Danish Free Education grant which took him to Italy. He subsequently received a grant from the Queen Margarethe and Prince Henry Fund and an Opera Ebony Fellowship, bringing him to his present home of New York.

Claudio frequently performs in New York, where he was lauded as a “powerful voice and a powerful presence” for his portrayal of Zuniga (Carmen) with Regina Opera, a role also performed with One World Symphony. He also received praise in The Italian Review for his performance as Belcore in L'Elisir d'Amore with Regina Opera. Other engagements include the role of Scarpia (Tosca) with the Opera Company of Brooklyn, Sam (Un Ballo in Maschera) with Martina Arroyo's Prelude to a Performance, Brazilian repertoire at the the New York launch party for Guillheme Parreira's book, "Pensamentos Poéticos sobre a Vida e a Morte," and the premiere presentation of selections from Tamandua, a new Brazilian opera.

Recent performances include a pair of concerts presented over the holiday season in New York and Rio de Janeiro as part of the Brazilian classical music program, "Musica no Museu." (Music in the Museum.)

Also a noted actor, Claudio’s multiple credits include the short film "La e Ca,"   the award-winning “Como Ser Solteiro" and the role of Sagat in the YT-nominated web series, "Street Figher: The Later Years." 

Claudio currently studies under David Jones and William Hicks in New York City.